AC Systems: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

When it comes to air conditioning systems, bigger isn’t always better. An oversized air conditioning system may quickly cool your home during the hot spring and summer months, but it can have some negative consequences. If your air conditioning system is too big for your home, you may experience the following problems.

Short Cycling

The biggest problem with oversized air conditioning systems is that they tend to suffer from short cycling. Short cycling is a phenomenon in which an air conditioning system frequently cycles on and off. It will run for a short period, and after achieving the correct air temperature, it will shut off. The air conditioning system will then repeat the cycling process shortly thereafter.

Oversized air conditioning systems are more likely to suffer from short cycling because of the speed at which they cool the air. The size of an air conditioning system is a measurement of its cooling power. Large air conditioning systems are more powerful than smaller air conditioning systems, so they are able to cool the air more quickly than their smaller counterparts. If it’s oversized, however, your air conditioning system may cool the air so fast that it causes short cycling.

Increased Wear and Tear

Because they suffer from short cycling, oversized air conditioning systems are exposed to increased wear and tear. Each time your air conditioning system cycles on, certain components like the compressor and fan must start back up. With short cycling, these components will constantly shut off and turn back on, which can wear them down.

Choosing an air conditioning system in the correct size for your home will protect it from unnatural wear and tear. Assuming it’s the correct size, it will cool your home without cycling on and off frequently.

Higher Humidity

Your air conditioning system may fail to dehumidify your home if it’s too big. Air conditioning systems remove moisture from the air more slowly than the speed at which they cool the air. With an oversized air conditioning system, the air in your home will be more humid. Air conditioning systems can only remove moisture from the air when they are running, so short cycling can lead to higher humidity levels.

Controlling humidity requires the use of an appropriately sized air conditioning system. It needs to run for an extended period in order to remove moisture from the air. Otherwise, your air conditioning system will only cool your home without necessarily dehumidifying it.

A Reminder to Check Your HVAC System’s Condensate Drain

Have you checked your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system’s condensate drain recently? Also known as a condensate drain line, it’s designed to remove condensation produced by the air conditioner. Since it’s typically located in a discreet area, however, many homeowners rarely or never check their HVAC system’s condensate drain.

What Is a Condensate Drain?

A condensate drain is an HVAC drainage system that’s designed to flush condensation from the inside of your home to the outside. All HVAC systems with a central air conditioning unit have a condensate drain. When the air conditioner is running, it will produce condensation. The condensate drain will collect this condensation and transport it to your home’s exterior.

You can typically find the condensate drain below your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. Most evaporator coils have a pan below them that’s connected to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. As the evaporator coil produces condensation, water droplets will fall into the pan below where they are flushed to your home’s exterior through the PVC pipe.

The Impact of a Clogged Condensate Drain

Condensate drains can become clogged. Either the pan or the PVC pipe can accumulate gunk that creates a blockage. If your HVAC system has a clogged condensate drain, it won’t be able to properly flush condensation to your home’s exterior. The air conditioner will still produce condensation, but the water droplets won’t have anywhere to go.

With a clogged condensate drain, your home will become more humid. The condensate drain allows air conditioners to remove moisture from the air. If it’s clogged, the moisture will stay inside your home where it raises the indoor humidity level.

A clogged condensate drain can also damage your home. When water collects at the evaporator coil, it may seep into the floors or walls where it causes them to rot.

How to Check Your Condensate Drain

You can check your HVAC system’s condensate drain to determine whether it’s clogged. A clogged condensate drain will result in a backup of water at the evaporator coil. If the pan below the evaporator coil is filled or overflowing with water, the condensate drain is probably clogged.

After inspecting the pan and PVC pipe at the evaporator coil, go outside to inspect the opposite end of the PVC pipe. It’s usually found around the condenser coil. If your air conditioner is running, you should see water droplets flowing out of this PVC pipe. A clogged condensate drain will result in little or no water coming out of the PVC pipe.

5 Common HVAC Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

You shouldn’t believe everything you read or hear about heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC). While there’s plenty of accurate information out there about HVAC systems and how they work, there’s an equal amount of misinformation. In this post, you’ll discover seven common HVAC myths that are best to ignore.

#1) Closing Vents Conserves Energy

Closing air vents doesn’t conserve energy. Your air conditioner or furnace will still have to consume the same amount of energy to cool or warm your home. Closing air vents may, in fact, waste energy. When air vents are closed, pressure will build up inside the ductwork. As the pressure increases, it may tear the interior walls of the ductwork while allowing the conditioned air to escape.

#2) Recharging Will Fix Low Refrigerant

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, you may assume that recharging it will get it back up and running. Recharging, of course, involves pumping new refrigerant into an air conditioner. The problem with recharging is that it’s only a temporary fix.

Refrigerant operates in a sealed environment. If your air conditioner is low refrigerant, it has a leak. You’ll need to get this leak fixed before recharging your air conditioner. Otherwise, the new refrigerant will leak out just like the old refrigerant.

#3) Thermostats Can Be Installed Anywhere

Another common HVAC myth is that thermostats can be installed anywhere. Thermostats contain an embedded sensor that measures the temperature of the surrounding air. Using this temperature reading, they send signals to the air conditioner or furnace.

If a thermostat is installed near a hot-water pipe or fireplace, it may read an abnormally high temperature. Even installing a thermostat on an exterior wall can throw off its reading. The thermostat must be installed in an area where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate abnormally.

#4) All Air Filters Are Made Equal

Think all air filters are the same? Think again. While all air filters are designed to remove pollutants from the air, they are available in several types. Some of them are disposable, whereas others are washable. There are also high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. In the United States, HEPA air filters must remove at least 99.97% of all particulate matter measuring 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

#5) Maintenance Isn’t Necessary

HVAC systems need to be maintained. Air conditioners and furnaces are complex systems that contain many different parts. As these parts age, they can degrade and fail. Regular maintenance will protect your HVAC system so that it lasts longer while performing at its fullest potential.

What Is a Two-Stage Furnace?

When learning about the different types of furnaces, you may stumble upon two-stage furnaces. Like all furnaces, they generate heat by consuming energy. Some of them consume electricity, whereas others consume natural gas or propane gas. Two-stage furnaces, however, are distinguished from their traditional counterparts by their multi-level heat output.

An Introduction to Two-Stage Furnaces

A two-stage furnace is a type of central heating system that offers two levels of heating. You can set it for either a low or high level of heating at the thermostat. If it’s a relatively mild winter day, you may want to choose the former setting. For exceptionally cold winter days, on the other hand, you can choose the high-heat setting.

As you may have guessed, there are also single-stage furnaces available. Most traditional furnaces use a single-stage method of operation. They don’t offer multiple levels of heating. When a single-stage furnace is turned on, it will produce heat. You can’t control the power of this heat output.

How Two-Stage Furnaces Work

Two-stage furnaces are designed to change the amount of energy they consume in response to the heat setting. When set to the high-heat setting, they will consume more energy. Two-stage gas furnaces will burn more gas, while two-stage electric furnaces will draw more electricity through their heating element. And by consuming more energy, they’ll produce more heat.

Setting the thermostat to the low-heat setting will result in less energy being consumed. A furnace’s heat output is directly influenced by how much energy it consumes. The low-heat setting will tell a two-stage furnace to consume less energy because you only need less heat.

Advantages of a Two-Stage Furnace

With a two-stage furnace, you’ll have more control over your home’s temperature during the winter. You can set the thermostat for either the low- or high-heat setting, depending on your comfort needs.

Two-stage furnaces can also be energy efficient. While the high-heat setting consumes more energy than the low-heat setting, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s less efficient. The high-heat setting is oftentimes more efficient because it requires less running time. It will quickly heat up your home to your desired temperature, at which point the furnace will cut off. With a single-stage furnace, it will have to run for a longer length of time, resulting in the consumption of more energy.

A furnace is considered a two-stage furnace if it offers two levels of heating. They offer a low-heat setting and a high-heat setting, which you can set at the thermostat.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Zoned HVAC Systems

Zoned heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. Like traditional HVAC systems, they feature either a furnace and an air conditioner or a heat pump. Zoned HVAC systems go one step further, however, by allowing you to control the temperature in specific areas of your home. What is a zoned HVAC system exactly, and how does it differ from a traditional HVAC system?

What Is a Zoned HVAC System?

A zoned HVAC system is a type of centralized heating and cooling system that’s able to condition the air in two or more spaces independently of each other. If you have a two-story home, for instance, you may be able to set the upstairs floor at a lower temperature than the downstairs floor.

Zoned HVAC systems separate multiple spaces into zones, hence their name. In the previous example, the upstairs floor and downstairs floor are each a zone. Zones typically have their own thermostat. You can raise or lower the temperate for a specific zone by adjusting its thermostat.

How Zoned HVAC Systems Work

Zoned HVAC systems work by using dampers. When the conditioned air enters your home’s ducts, dampers will route it to the zone or zones where it’s needed.

Dampers are simply motorized valves within ducts. They’ll open and close automatically in response to your thermostat settings. If you set the thermostat for a zone to heat, dampers for that zone will open so that warm air will be expelled into it. Dampers for the other zone or zones will remain closed.

Is a Zoned HVAC System Right for You?

While they are usually more expensive than traditional HVAC systems, zoned HVAC systems offer several attractive benefits. You can warm or cool specific areas of your home with a zoned HVAC system.

Some people prefer warmer indoor temperatures, whereas others prefer cooler indoor temperatures. If your preference disagrees with that of your family members, a zoned HVAC system may be a smart choice. You can set the zone for your living space to your preferred temperature, and your family members can set their own temperature for their zones.

Many homeowners save money after upgrading from a traditional HVAC system to a zoned HVAC system. It will allow you to warm or cool specific areas of your home, such as floors or rooms that are occupied. As a result, a zoned HVAC system won’t waste energy.

The Importance of Changing Your HVAC System’s Air Filter

When was the last time that you changed the air filter in your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system? All ducted HVAC systems have an air filter. It’s a mesh screen consisting of fiberglass, polyester or organic fibers. The air filter is typically found between the return duct and the air handler where it catches and removes airborne debris.

Air filters aren’t designed to last forever, though. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), they should be replaced every one to three months. Even if your HVAC system seems to work fine with a dirty air filter, changing it is important for several reasons.

Improved Heating and Cooling

With a new air filter, your HVAC system’s performance will improve. HVAC systems require airflow for both heating and cooling purposes. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and, therefore, hinder your HVAC system’s performance.

After being conditioned, air must travel through the filter before entering the supply ducts where it’s expelled into your home’s living spaces. A dirty filter will slow down the conditioned air, meaning less cool or warm air will enter your home. At the same time, it may cause certain air conditioning components, such as the evaporator coil, to freeze up.

Cleaner Air

Changing your HVAC system’s air filter promotes cleaner air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the air inside most homes and indoor residences is two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Whether you realize it not, there’s probably airborne pollutants floating around inside your home.

An air filter is your first line of defense against airborne pollutants. Assuming it’s not clogged, it will catch airborne pollutants while still allowing air to travel through it.

Lower Energy Usage

For an energy-efficient HVAC system, you can’t ignore the air filter. Since the air filter affects heating and cooling performance, it can affect your HVAC system’s energy usage.

Your HVAC system will consume more energy to warm or cool your home if the air filter is dirty. It may, in fact, fail to achieve the temperature set on the thermostat. As your HVAC system continues to run, it will consume energy. You can make your HVAC system more energy efficient by regularly changing the air filter.

Protection From Premature Damage

Your HVAC system will be better protected against premature damage if you regularly change the air filter. A dirty air filter can harm your HVAC system’s components. It will cause warm air to build inside of the furnace and cool air to build up inside of the air conditioner. Over time, this additional stress can cause certain components to fail prematurely.

Understanding the Role of Refrigerant in Your AC System

Your air conditioning system consists of more than just mechanical parts; it consists of refrigerant. Refrigerant, in fact, is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. As it moves between your air conditioner’s indoor and outdoor equipment, it will cool your home.

How Refrigerant Works

Refrigerant works by absorbing heat from the air inside your home so that it can be released outside. It flows back and forth between your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil in a sealed system to transfer heat out of your home.

At the evaporator coil, refrigerant will absorb heat while simultaneously transitioning from a liquid state to a gas state. The hot gas refrigerant will then flow to the condenser coil where the heat is released. As the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it transitions back to a liquid state before reentering your home and repeating the cycle.

Common signs of low or no refrigerant include the following:

•          Frozen refrigerant lines or coils

•         Air doesn’t feel cold

•          Air conditioning system constantly running

•          Higher-than-normal energy bills

•          Unusual “hissing” noise

The Different Types of Refrigerant

While all refrigerant works by absorbing heat, there are a few different types of refrigerant. In the past, most residential and commercial air conditioning systems used R-22. A type of hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), R-22 was the universal standard for air conditioning refrigerant for many decades. Upon discovering that it contributed to ozone depletion, though, lawmakers worked to phase it out with the Clean Air Act of 2010.

Since Jan. 1, 2020, the production and importation of R-22 in the United States is illegal. All new air conditioning systems must now use an alternative type of refrigerant. R410A is the successor to R-22. Unlike R-22, it doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion. Furthermore, R410A is more effective at absorbing heat, allowing for greater cooling performance.

If your air conditioning system currently uses R-22, you don’t have to necessarily upgrade to R410A. The Clean Air Act of 2010 only bans the production and importation of R-22. It doesn’t contain any provisions forcing homeowners with an old air conditioning system to upgrade to a new system.

You can continue using R-22 in your air conditioning system. Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) companies still sell R-22, and they still service air conditioning systems using this old type of refrigerant. Since it’s been phased out, however, supplies of R-22 are limited, so you can expect to pay more for it rather than R410A.

Will a New HVAC System Affect Value of Your Atlanta Home?

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, you might be wondering whether it will affect the value of your Atlanta home. HVAC systems can wear out over time. Maybe your current HVAC system consumes an excessive amount of energy, or perhaps it struggles to achieve a comfortable temperature. While buying a new HVAC system requires a monetary investment, it will likely increase the value of your Atlanta home for several reasons.

Ease of Maintenance

A new HVAC system will make your home easier to maintain, which can increase its market value. Prospective buyers are usually willing to pay more for homes that are easy to maintain. They don’t want to spend an excessive amount of time or energy repairing the HVAC system.

New HVAC systems, of course, require less maintenance than their older counterparts. When an HVAC system ages, its components may need to be repaired or replaced. New HVAC systems require little or no maintenance aside from changing the air filter, making them attractive among prospective home buyers.

Comfort

With an average high of around 87 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, Atlanta can get pretty hot during the summer. As the temperature begins to creep up, the need for a high-performance HVAC system becomes more pronounced. A new HVAC system will keep you and your family comfortable by cooling your home’s living space. And when the winter arrives, it can warm your home.

Because of its positive impact on comfort, a new HVAC system can increase your home’s market value. Most prospective buyers don’t want to move into a home that’s uncomfortably hot during the summer or cold during the winter. Rather, they want a comfortable living space with a high-performance HVAC system.

Cost-Savings

There are cost-savings benefits associated with a new HVAC system that can increase your home’s market value as well. If your home has an old HVAC system, it will likely consume an excessive amount of energy.

New advancements have been made in the field of HVAC technology that allows for greater energy efficiency. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner with a new model can cooling costs by 20% to 40%. Financially and environmentally conscious buyers will take notice of your home’s new, energy-efficient HVAC system. As a result, buying a new HVAC system can raise the market value of your Atlanta home.

Should You Use Vented and Ventless Gas Logs?

Not all gas logs are the same. When shopping for logs to use in your gas fireplace, you’ll need to choose between vented or ventless. Both vented and ventless gas logs are designed to look like real logs. You can place them in your fireplace, and after turning on the pilot light, they’ll create heat and a relaxing ambiance that radiates throughout your home. So, should you choose vented or ventless gas logs?

What Are Vented Gas Logs?

Vented gas logs are those designed exclusively for use in a traditional fireplace with a chimney and a damper. Like real wood logs, they produce emissions when exposed to a flame. As they heat up, vented gas logs will release carbon monoxide, which is why a chimney and damper is required.

A chimney and damper allows the emissions produced by vented gas logs to escape. Prior to turning on your fireplace, you should open the damper. The damper is a valve that seals or unseals the chimney. When it’s closed, the chimney will be sealed. When the damper is open, the chimney will be unsealed, thus allowing the emissions to escape.

What Are Ventless Gas Logs?

Also known as vent-free gas logs, ventless gas logs are those that can be used in either a traditional fireplace or a sealed fireplace. They don’t produce the same amount of emissions as their vented counterparts. Rather, ventless gas logs are designed specifically to produce a minimal amount of emissions that’s considered safe for homeowners and residents.

With low emissions, ventless gas logs can be any fireplace. Even if your fireplace doesn’t have a chimney or a damper, you can still use them. You can also use ventless gas logs in a traditional fireplace with the damper closed.

Maintaining Ventless Gas Logs

If you’re going to use ventless gas logs, you should get them serviced regularly by a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) company. Ventless gas logs require cleaning. But you can’t use just any standard household cleaning product on them. Cleaning products often contain chemicals that, when exposed to a flame, can release emissions.

Do-it-yourself cleaning also carries the risk of moving the ventless gas logs. You may accidentally move your ventless gas logs when cleaning them. Unlike vented gas logs, ventless gas logs require a specific position where they don’t directly touch the flame. An HVAC company can safely clean and your ventless gas logs while ensuring that are properly positioned over the pilot light.

Gas logs can be classified as vented or ventless, depending on the type of gas fireplace with which they are intended to be used. Vented gas logs are intended to be used be strictly in a traditional gas fireplace with a chimney and damper so that the exhaust gases will be released. In comparison, ventless gas logs can be used in any type of fireplace, including those with or without a functional chimney or damper.

5 Reasons to Get Your Gas Logs Professionally Serviced

Gas fireplaces require the use of special logs. Known as gas logs, they aren’t made of real wood. While they look like natural hardwood logs, they are made of a fabricated heat-resistant material – typically ceramic – that doesn’t break down when exposed to a flame.

While gas logs are reusable, they still require maintenance. Neglecting to maintain them could lead to poor performance as well as other problems. Fortunately, you can get your gas logs professionally serviced by a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) company, which can offer some surprising benefits.

#1) Improved Heat

Getting your gas logs professionally serviced can improve the heat output of your fireplace. During the service, an HVAC technician will inspect the integrity and position of your gas logs. If a gas log is severely degraded, or if it’s placed too far from the pilot light, it may fail to produce a sufficient amount of heat. The HVAC technician can remedy these problems by replacing or repositioning the gas log.

#2) Protect Your Floors

Gas logs can break down from regular usage. Most gas logs, in fact, last for about three to 10 years, after which they’ll need to be replaced. As they begin to break down, they may fragment into several smaller pieces that can cause damage to your floors. These small pieces will heat up and potentially scorch the floors in front of your fireplace — much like the hot embers of a wood fire.

#3) Eliminate Bad Odors

If you notice a funky odor when using your fireplace, your gas logs may be to blame. Airborne dust and debris will accumulate on your gas logs. When you turn on your fireplace, this particulate matter will ignite while subsequently creating a not-so-pleasant odor. An HVAC technician, however, can thoroughly clean your gas logs and the surrounding hearth to eliminate bad odors.

#4) Protect Pilot Light

The pilot light is responsible for producing the flame that rises up from the burner and into your gas logs. If you rarely or never clean your gas logs, it may become clogged with particulate matter. The pilot light won’t work if it’s clogged. With a professional gas log service, an HVAC technician will clean your gas logs to protect the pilot light and ensure it functions as intended.

#5) Find and Fix Other Problems

During a gas log service, an HVAC technician will inspect your fireplace for other potential problems. Maybe your chimney is caked in creosote, or perhaps your fireplace’s gas line is leaking. While you may not notice these problems, HVAC technicians are trained to spot them.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Ductwork

Ductwork is a common source of mold growth. Consisting of a network of interconnected passages through which air flows, it offers a dark space where mold spores can reproduce. If there’s mold growing your ductwork, however, those spores will inevitably make their way into your home’s living spaces. The good news is that you can prevent mold growth in your ductwork by taking a few preventative measures.

Monitor the Humidity Level

To prevent mold growth in your ductwork, as well as other places, you need to monitor your home’s humidity level. Mold typically grows in dark and humid environments. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold thrives in environments with a relative humidity of 60% or higher. By monitoring your home’s humidity level, you’ll know whether it’s susceptible to mold.

Flush the Condensation Drain Line

Flushing your heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system’s condensation drain line will discourage mold growth in your ductwork. HVAC systems produce condensation as a byproduct. Air conditioners produce condensation at the evaporator coil, whereas furnaces produce condensation at the heat exchanger.

When running your air conditioner or furnace, water will drip down from the respective component. There should be a pan below your HVAC system’s evaporator coil and furnace that collects this condensation. Known as a condensation pan, it’s connected to a drain line that runs outside. If this drain line is clogged, condensation will accumulate inside of the pan, which may lead to mold growth in your ductwork and other places. Fortunately, you can flush the condensation drain line to prevent this from happening.

Use the Exhaust Fan When Showering

When showering, turn on the exhaust fan so that the moist air is ventilated out of your home. Most bathrooms contain one or more supply vents. These are the vents through which conditioned air is released into your home. Showering, of course, will produce moist air that can enter the supply vents. As the moist air enters the supply vents, it can increase the risk of mold growth.

Turning on the exhaust fan will prevent the moist air from entering your ductwork. Exhaust fans are designed to transfer air to the outside. In other words, it will ventilate the moist air outside of your home so that it doesn’t enter your ductwork.

Run the AC

Something as simple as running your air conditioner can prevent mold from growing in your ductwork. Your air conditioner does more than just lower the temperature inside your home; it dehumidifies the air. It will help you achieve a lower humidity level while subsequently discouraging mold growth.

Air conditioners dehumidify by producing, as well as draining, condensation. They pull moisture out of the air, which is collected in the condensation pan. As long as the drain line is clear, running your air conditioner will dehumidify your home.

Why Your Air Conditioner Keeps Freezing Up

Discovering that your air conditioner is frozen with ice can be perplexing. Air conditioners are designed to create cool air but not to the point of freezing. It takes a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below for water to freeze, which is far beyond the cooling capabilities of most residential air conditioning systems.

Freezing, however, is a somewhat common phenomenon with air conditioners. It usually occurs with the evaporator coil or a refrigerant line. If you notice ice on either of these components, you might be wondering what’s causing it.

Refrigerant Leak

One of the most common reasons air conditioners freeze up is because they have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the substance – it cycles between a gas and liquid state – that collects heat from the air inside your home. It’s designed to operate in a closed and sealed system. Refrigerant will collect heat at the evaporator coil, and it will release this heat at the condenser coil.

If the system is breached, refrigerant will leak out. Depending on how much refrigerant leaks out, it may cause your air conditioner to freeze up. With low refrigerant levels, it won’t collect as much heat from the air inside your home. Therefore, the excessively cold refrigerant may freeze the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines through which it flows.

Obstructed Vents

Your air conditioner may freeze up if the air vents are obstructed. Vents allow air to circulate throughout your home. At the same time, they move the warm air to the evaporator coil where the refrigerant can absorb the heat. If your vents are obstructed, the evaporator coil may receive an insufficient amount of warm air, which can cause it to freeze.

Make sure both your return and supply vents are unobstructed. Return vents draw air, whereas supply vents release conditioned air. You can typically close a few supply vents without any ill effect, but you should keep all of your return vents open.

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter can cause your air conditioner to freeze up as well. Before reaching the evaporator coil, air must travel through the filter. A clogged filter will restrict the amount of air that passes through it. With less air reaching the evaporator coil, your air conditioner may freeze up.

If your air filter is clogged, you’ll need to replace it. A clogged air filter will lead to a higher level of indoor air pollution while also increasing the risk of frozen air conditioning equipment.

Split vs Packaged HVAC Systems: What's the Difference?

When researching heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems, you’ll probably come across split and packaged systems. They are the most common types of HVAC systems. Most homes and buildings have either a split or packaged HVAC system, both of which offer heating and cooling functionality. What’s the difference between a split and packaged HVAC system exactly?

What Is a Split HVAC System?

A split HVAC system is characterized by the use of two separate units, which are installed in different areas. They have an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit consists of the air conditioning condenser coil and the compressor. The indoor unit features the air conditioning evaporator coil, the air handling unit (AHU) and the furnace.

What Is a Packaged HVAC System?

A packaged HVAC system, as you may have guessed, consists of a single unit that’s installed outdoors. It features the air conditioning condenser coil, the evaporator coil, the compressor, the blower fan and the furnace. Packaged HVAC systems don’t have two separate units. Both their heating and cooling equipment are packaged together in a single unit.

Choosing Between a Split and Packaged HVAC System

Regarding efficiency, split HVAC systems are a better choice. With a split HVAC system, the furnace and the AHU are installed indoors where they are able to heat the air more efficiently. Some split HVAC systems have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 20 or more. Packaged HVAC systems tend to have a lower SEER rating because their heating equipment is installed outdoors.

Split HVAC systems are also better protected against premature failure. When installed outdoors, HVAC equipment will inevitably be exposed to the elements. Split HVAC systems don’t have all of their equipment outdoors. Some of their equipment, such as the evaporator coil and the furnace, is installed indoors. Therefore, these components are safe from the weather’s degrading effects.

With that said, not all homes have the space to accommodate a split HVAC system. The indoor unit of a split HVAC system is typically installed in the attic, basement or crawlspace. In homes without any of these spaces, a packaged HVAC system may be required.

HVAC systems are classified as split or packaged depending on their number of units. Split HVAC systems have two units, whereas packaged HVAC systems have a single unit. If your home has enough space, you should typically choose a split HVAC system. When compared to packaged HVAC systems, they are more efficient and better protected against premature failure.

5 Tips to Cut Your Home’s Heating Costs

Many homeowners dread the winter season because of the high heating costs it brings. Regardless of what type of central heating system your home uses, it will consume energy to create warm air. You’ll have to pay for this energy, of course, in the form of utility bills. Fortunately, there are several ways to cut your home’s heating costs without sacrificing you and your family’s comfort.

#1) Set the Fan to Auto

Setting the fan to auto can save you money on heating costs. All furnaces, as well as heat pumps, use a fan to blow warm air into the ducts where it’s then distributed throughout your home. On the thermostat, you’ll probably see two settings for the fan: auto and on. The auto setting means the fan will only come on when the air is being warmed, whereas the on setting means the fan will constantly run, thus it will consume more energy.

#2) Change the Air Filter

When was the last time that you changed the air filter? If it’s been several months or longer, you should consider changing it. Air filters work by catching micro-sized particulate debris so that it doesn’t enter the ducts. As this debris builds up, less air will be able to pass through the air filter. Your furnace will then have to work harder to achieve a warm and comfortable environment.

#3) Program the Thermostat

Another tip to cut your home’s heating costs is to program the thermostat. If your home isn’t occupied during a specific time of the day, you can program the thermostat for a lower temperature during this time. When your home is occupied, on the other hand, you can program the thermostat for a higher temperature.

#4) Keep Chimney Flue Closed

If you have a fireplace, be sure to keep the flue closed when neither you nor anyone else in your home is building a fire. Chimney flues have a damper that acts like a valve. When open, the cold outdoor air will enter your home during the winter. As a result, your furnace will consume more energy. Closing the damper seals the chimney flue to prevent this from happening.

#5) Turn on Fans

It may sound counterproductive, but turning on the ceiling fans can cut your home’s heating costs. Hot air rises. As the conditioned warm air comes out of the vents, it will rise to the ceiling. Turning on the ceiling fans, though, will push the air down. Ceiling fans won’t necessarily change the temperature inside your home, but they will make the air feel warmer.

Falling in to Fall HVAC Maintenance

Autumn has begun, and along with its arrival here in 2020 comes the cooler weather. We can finally break out the jackets, candy, turkey, and pumpkin pie! Also, we can break out the to-do list! Besides raking the yard or preparing the plants for colder temperatures, it’s a good idea to get your home ready for the temperature drops that are incoming. Your home’s heating system has likely not turned on since last winter. When Old Man Winter starts huffing and puffing, you need reassurance that your furnace or heat pump is already prepared to fight off the chill so that you and your family stay comfortable and happy.

All brands of HVAC heating equipment have guidelines that recommend regular service and safety checks. These inspections are to assure that the equipment is operating efficiently, and to prevent any failures on the coldest nights. In fact, even a newer HVAC heating system often won’t be covered under a warranty if it’s been neglected for an extended period of time. Last year, in fact, we had a customer who needed a new Heat Exchanger under warranty, and the manufacturer required proof of regular yearly service. The customer had a paper trail of regular maintenance, so the warranty parts were approved after we supplied copies of the documents.

This doesn’t always happen- but it does on occasion. In addition, not having regular service doesn’t mean that you will have a breakdown in your heating system- yet, consider that a routine heating service is much less expensive than an emergency repair of a furnace or heat pump. Also, heat pumps use refrigerant to help warm your home, so it’s a good idea to know if the levels are correct as we transition into winter.

An HVAC service and heating tune-up from Atlanta Energy Solutions will keep your heating system operating efficiently, and it will lessen the chance that your home will be needing major repairs during the coldest parts of the year. Call us today at 404-803-7471 to find out more!

Happy Labor Day!

Enjoy this restful day!

If your HVAC system decides to take a day off, too, give us a call to get it back up & running. Atlanta Energy Solutions: 404-803-7471

#ATLEnergySolutions

Proper Cleaning and Flushing of Drain Lines

Many times we're faced with whether to hire a professional or just do what we assume are simple HVAC maintenance projects.  An internet search will provide a variety of methods to maintain your HVAC system.  However, when you don't really know which of these "home grown" methods is right for your equipment and you're not a trained professional, why take the chance of doing more damage than good.  Here's why...

Your HVAC system produces condensate through the evaporator coil as it cools your home.  The small, usually PVC pipe, serves as your condensate drain line.  This drain line includes a trap that prevents unwanted air from getting into your HVAC system.  Without the proper cleaning and flushing, the drain line can become a breeding ground for algae and mold.  If these toxins build in your drain, it can become clogged, which can lead to significant damage for the homeowner. 

Hiring a professional to thoroughly clean and flush your condensate yearly is the best way to protect the investment in your HVAC unit.  Sometimes, an internet search just isn't the most effective way to manage maintenance around your home.   We can protect your equipment investment and ensure it performs as it should.  Make your appointment today at (404) 803-7471.

R22 Refrigerant is Discontinued. How does this affect Homeowners with Older Units?

If you're wondering what is R22 and why you should care, here's why.  R22 is a refrigerant used in heating or cooling systems.  The problem is R22 properties have been determined to be ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which is why the EPA stepped in a number of years ago with a plan to eventually eliminate the use of R22.  As of January 1, 2020, the production and import of R22 refrigerant became illegal in the United States.  If your AC or heat pump needs a repair that involves refrigerant, you will likely have to decide between a substantial refrigerant bill or a total system replacement. 

Most newer heating and cooling systems have been redesigned to accommodate R410A, a chlorine-free refrigerant.  If your system was built and installed before January 2010, there's a good chance it uses the old R22 refrigerant.   The ban does not require you to replace a fully functioning R22 refrigerant AC or heat pump system; however, as your system ages, any existing stockpile  supply of R22 will become more limited and the price of refrigerant will likely increase.  At some point, it may be more cost effective to simply replace your system that is compliant with the new EPA law. And the added benefit is that you're reducing ozone-depleting substances, which makes our environment a much cleaner and healthier place.

Let us help you today determine if a total system replacement is right for you.  Call us at (404) 803-7471.  

Tips for HVAC Preventive Maintenance

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  In other words, it's much easier to stop something from happening than pay the price in repairs after the damage has been done.  This is especially true for HVAC systems.  Here are five tips you should consider as ways to ensure the proper preventive HVAC maintenance is accomplished.

1. First and foremost, you should check and/or change your filters often to ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible.  Dirty filters increase energy costs and can eventually damage your equipment, which could lead to system failure. 

2. Install a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted while you are away from your home, which can reduce energy costs by a considerable amount.

3. Ensure you clean the area around your HVAC system to keep the condensing unit free from air flow obstructions that may cause your unit to work harder and possibly ultimately fail.

4. If you have ductwork, it's so important to have it routinely inspected.  Over time, air ducts can accumulate all kinds of obstructions to normal airflow.  These can weaken your system and overwork your equipment.  Ducts also collect and trap dust and/or dander and can even develop leaks through which air can escape. 

5. Finally, it's always best to schedule routine seasonal HVAC maintenance before the season begins.  As you know, Georgia summers can be brutal.  The last thing you want to happen is for your HVAC system to break down as the thermometer nears triple digits.  

Keep these tips in mind when you think about the best way to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and as intended for your home.  Ultimately, these preventive measures can save you money.  Make your appointment today at (404) 803-7471.  

Choosing the Right HVAC Professional

During the COVID-19 crisis, we find ourselves assuming many roles around the home otherwise left to a professional.  For example, the idea of becoming a hairdresser for our family members was a foreign concept before COVID.  Also, assuming the role of teacher to our quarantined kiddos wasn't something we thought we'd ever need to do.  That being said, when it comes to your HVAC system, it's best to leave your troubles to a professional.

We have over two decades of experience in the HVAC industry. Our owner holds Georgia state licenses, as well as Conditioned Air and Low Voltage contractor certifications.  He's formally trained as an industrial engineer and air conditioning technologist.  Our company, Atlanta Energy Solutions LLC, offers a variety of HVAC services in the Atlanta area.  We care about the customers and work hard to provide the best, most affordable solutions to your HVAC problems. 

Services we provide include: Heat and A/C system installation, service, and maintenance; Gas Logs and Gas Light installation, service, and maintenance; Duct Cleaning; Humidifiers and De-humidifiers installation, service, and maintenance; Water Heater installation, service, and maintenance.  There are many more functions we help our customers with on a daily basis.

If you want someone experienced with a passion for doing right by our customers, give Atlanta Energy Solutions LLC a call.  We just might save you the time and trouble of attempting a repair yourself with less than stellar results.  Make your appointment today at (404) 803-7471.